Michael Hutt is the CEO of East & Ascent. With extensive experience in marketing planning and execution, Michael has helped large and small brands create impactful marketing strategies from the ground up, progressing to execution across Europe, the US, and Asia. His 15+ years of experience span roles in creative and communications agencies, focusing on digital, brand, internal communications, and PR. Michael has expertise in setting up and driving business development and marketing functions to prepare brands for rapid growth.

As a general manager in his previous role, Michael was responsible for a US$1.1 million revenue business in Malaysia. Over the past five years, he has worked on the ground in Asia, leveraging prior direct experience in the US, Europe, and the UK. Under his leadership, East & Ascent has become a trusted partner for businesses looking to localise their offerings, enter the APAC market, and expand globally.

“East & Ascent was formed during the Covid pandemic when operating a truly global team became part of our DNA from day one. It’s proved to be a winning approach to marketing and branding, combining Western-style experience with in-depth knowledge of Asian markets. We challenge traditional methods, bringing fresh and practical thinking to help companies grow. Our approach goes beyond branding and marketing—it aligns external appearance with behaviour to deliver real results,” Michael Hutt, CEO

Yi Wen is our Digital Marketing Consultant at E&A, where she excels in managing digital channels and advising clients on strategies to enhance brand visibility. With a knack of colors and a sharp eye for what works (and what doesn’t), Yi Wen is experienced in creating graphics that help brands stand out. 

Her recent achievements include crafting graphics that garnered significant exposure on BBC Sound for a client. In her three years here, she has gained valuable insights from global markets like Norway, the UK, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and South Korea – learning not just about marketing, but about cultures and how they shape branding. 

At E&A, Yi Wen isn’t just about pixels and posts; she’s about making sure your brand speaks the right language everywhere it goes. Whether it’s tweaking a design, fine-tuning a campaign or refining internal use, she’s got your back.